Black Women in BLACK

Like Black Women Love
Wait.
I'm gonna love you
like black women love their children. 
Gonna dig way down, 
call upon the history 
my fore-sisters built,
fill you up with wonderful,
nurse your self esteem 
in the arch of my back. 
When you are low, 
I'll refresh your spirit
with tales drawn from the well 
of my momma's childhood memories.

Wait. 
I'm gonna love you like black women
love their men. Thick-lipped words
of encouragement will breathe icy cold
on heated epitaphs of venom-laced hatred.
My over-stuffed hips cache a reservoir 
of strength. Like grandma's 
hands I'll knead your worn-out pride
with kindred understanding.
I'm gonna love you like the whores 
of masters loved the light of day.
Wait.
I'm gonna love you 
like black women love themselves:
without reservation; strong.

Yvonne





Daughters of Ra.